Anna Maria Mayor Mark Short responded to our request for city news last week in an Aug. 15 email: “On Aug. 13, the city held a mandatory pre-bid meeting regarding the construction of the walkway and related mechanical infrastructure on the city pier.”
He reminded us that attendance at the meeting was mandatory for a contractor interested in bidding on the project.
According to Short, some 15 companies were represented at the meeting, with bids due Sept. 8.
At the Aug. 14 commission meeting, an amendment to a Waste Management contract was approved, allowing side-door trash service to begin the week of Aug. 18.
The schedule for services, beginning Oct. 6, will change to yard debris on Monday, trash on Tuesday and Friday, recycling for half the city on Tuesday and the other half on Friday.
Short noted that WM is expected to inform property owners of their recycling day.
Short also wrote, “As you are aware, on Aug. 9 there were two drownings in Gulf waters here, one near the Sandbar and one at Bean Point. The Bean Point incident included a second swimmer who was rescued by the sheriff’s office.”
He said MCSO-Anna Maria Substation Sgt. Brett Getman and Deputy Vincent Bowman were instrumental in saving a swimmer. For their acts, they were nominated by their supervisor, Lt. John Wren, for the MCSO Life-Saving Award.
“What you may not be aware of is that this week, there were two more distressed swimmers, again at Bean Point. MCSO Deputies Daugherty and Boggs responded to that call and performed water rescues, saving those two swimmers. They have both been nominated for their acts for MCSO’s deputy of the month award,” according to the mayor.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth said in an email to The Islander, “I am back in the saddle. The family had a great vacation. School is back in session, and I’m reminding all to watch out for children riding bikes and walking to and from school.”
Also, Titsworth is reminding motorists to abide by reduced speed limits during morning and afternoon drop-off and pickup times.
She further reminded people to take caution when at the beach. “AMI had several tragic drownings this past week due to rip currents. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives.”
On another note, Titsworth said she was pleased she could secure funding for two additional pickleball courts, with thanks to the Hagan Family Foundation for which she serves on the board.
“They also will be sponsoring next year’s islanders4cleanwater.com calendar. This foundation is a tremendous partner to the city, and the many improvements made to our parks is due to their generosity.”
— Bonner Joy